INTERSCHUTZ USA 2020 moving forward with scheduled October dates

INTERSCHUTZ, in Hannover Germany, has clarified any questions the industry had declaring it is moving forward with its launch of INTERSCHUTZ USA, Oct. 14-17 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre. It is doing so with the full support of the Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) and the Pennsylvania Convention Centre Authority (PCCA). INTERSCHUTZ USA, in its inaugural year, will be the first major trade show held at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre in 2020.

“We are committed to the safety of all participants involved,” said Rachel Lesczynski, INTERSCHUTZ USA Show Manager. “Our audience is a community of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and first responders. This community thrives on sharing insights gained from global events. We are prepared and willing to implement all safety precautions required to safely conduct INTERSCHUTZ USA in October.”

INTERSCHUTZ USA is a new type of event, bringing the world’s fire service together. Addressing current international travel challenges, the show team is developing plans to allow international speakers and participants to participate in this unique event virtually.

“It certainly has been an eventful week,” said Ed Nichols, Vice President with Hannover Fairs USA. “The Mayor’s announcement related to canceling public events through February caused some confusion. This does not apply to private events like INTERSCHUTZ USA. We also had an announcement from the Governor limiting the number of people that can gather indoors at this time (July). That has not been extended to October, so we want everyone to know that we’re moving forward with this event and are working with state and local officials to develop plans to bring our audience together safely. No decisions have been made regarding October suggesting we cannot.”

“We are excited to host INTERSCHUTZ USA in Philadelphia,” said Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel, Deputy Managing Director and OEM Director, City of Philadelphia. “One of the greatest attributes of the City of Philadelphia is its resiliency, and we are excited to demonstrate that in welcoming INTERSCHUTZ USA in October. The fire-rescue and EMS communities need training and collaboration like this more than ever before, as training opportunities have been limited, but the expectations of our public justifiably have not changed. We are proud to be able to provide this opportunity to these global communities.”

INTERSCHUTZ USA will take place Oct. 14-17, 2020 in Philadelphia. Classroom-style workshops and live training for firefighters will be held throughout the area on Oct. 14. The Pennsylvania Convention Centre will hold all exhibit and classroom events Oct. 15-17.

For more information visit www.interschutzusa.com

Fireco: reducing the transfer of COVID-19 from door handles

Fireco, a technology company based in Brighton, England, has been working for over twenty years to help with the issue of fire doors being wedged open. Fire doors should be kept shut to control the spread of smoke and fire in buildings, and a common, serious problem is people wedging these doors open to allow for fresh air and easy access.

Fireco’s door retainers and door closers hold fire doors open compliantly. When the fire alarm sounds, the products will release the door to close through either acoustic or radio activation. They are wire-free and can be easily installed.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fireco’s customer base reached out and expressed how the company are helping to resolve more issues than just illegally wedged open doors.

Fireco products are fitted to doors across multiple industries including NHS premises, COVID-19 test labs, critical infrastructure, schools, commercial offices and factories.

These buildings’ occupants are so pleased, because people are able to walk freely around them without having to touch door handles, which has helped reduce the spread of germs, providing protection to all occupants, many of whom are key workers on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.

fireco.uk/

Kentec remains operational throughout Covid-19

Kentec Electronics Ltd is continuing to deliver its life-critical control systems throughout the current crisis, supporting other essential businesses to ensure its panels are readily available, technical support is in place, and the safety of the public is not compromised.

Kentec has in fact seen an increase in sales for its Sigma XT extinguishant panels during this crisis as it is widely used within critical infrastructure, in sectors such as telecommunication, data centres and healthcare.

With all manufacturing taking place in Kentec’s Kent-based factory and with considerable raw materials in stock, it has adapted its manufacturing processes to align with government guidelines so that its customers have not experienced any supply issues with any of its life safety systems or parts.

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says this crisis has shown the value in its UK manufacturing and R&D facility: “Not only has it meant that we have not experienced any supply issues, but also that we have been able to continue the R&D of products on our roadmap. There will of course be delays as capital expenditure has been curtailed for the time being, but we are proud to have been able to support our industry’s progression.”

Kevin adds that operating through the crisis and supporting installations that are going ahead has been achieved through detailed planning, communication and collaboration: “For example, we’re supporting our distributors by shipping directly to their customers, when it not safe or feasible to open their warehouses. And with respect to supporting our installers, we have adapted our Kentec Installation Partner (KIP) scheme to be fully remote to ensure training and support is there when it is needed.”

Kentec has implemented new shifts schedules to ensure there are never too many people on site at one time and amended working patterns and amenities to mitigate potential risks involved. Work benches have been moved to ensure safe distances, and where workflows make two-metre distancing impossible it installed six- and eight-foot screens. Face masks have been provided to all staff and it is also trialling face shields for further comfort and protection. Office staff have worked from home.

“I’m extremely thankful for the positivity, proactivity and support that employees have shown through this process,” says Kevin.

“It remains to be seen how the rest of 2020 will pan out, but where projects have been necessarily put on hold, because of the essential nature of our industry we are confident that installers will be able to quickly and easily return to these projects when it is safe and feasible to do so. Communication, collaboration and support will continue to be essential in mitigating the challenges in our future ‘new normal.'”

kentec.co.uk/

IWMA announces tabletop booking has now started for IWMC 2021

The 20th International Water Mist Conference will take place in Warsaw, Poland, on 21st and 22nd April 2021. Organiser is the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) and the venue is the Regent Warsaw Hotel. The tabletop booking for the exhibition, which will run alongside the conference, has now started.

Bettina McDowell, IWMA General Manager, explains: “We want all attendees to get the most of this event and therefore offer a knowledge exchange platform, the opportunity to network and an exhibition to actually look at and ask questions about water mist components.”

Applications for speaker slots will be accepted until 30th October 2020. Another important deadline is 30th December 2020. Until that day, young researchers who have dedicated their master thesis to water mist can submit a summary to the IWMA Scientific Council.

Bettina McDowell, IWMA General Manager, says: “The Call for Papers, the abstract template as well as the sponsorship application forms (tabletop booking forms) can all be downloaded from the IWMA webpage or obtained from the IWMA head office in Hamburg”.

iwma.net/events/detail/iwmc-to-take-place-in-april-2021

Man suspected of arson after fire at Nantes Cathedral, France

A volunteer detained for questioning over a fire at the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral in Nantes has been released without charge. The 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with a fire in the 15th-century cathedral that blew out stained glass windows and destroyed the grand organ.

The man, a Rwandan refugee, worked as a volunteer for the cathedral and had been in charge of locking up the building on Friday night, TV channel LCI reported on Sunday, citing a prosecutor.

Prosecutor Pierre Sennes said the man in custody was being held to clear up inconsistencies in his schedule.

He said three fires were reported at the site and there had been no signs of a break-in. Authorities said an investigation for suspected arson had been opened.

The blaze began on Saturday morning, engulfing the inside of the Gothic structure in flames.

The fire destroyed stained glass windows and the 17th-century grand organ – a star attraction of the cathedral.

Firefighters brought it under control after several hours and extinguished it completely by the afternoon.

It happened about a year after a fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris which destroyed its roof and main spire.

The building was last hit by fire in 1972 and its roof took more than 13 years to repair.

Regional fire chief Laurent Ferlay said on Saturday the damage was not comparable to the 1972 blaze, or to last year’s devastating blaze at the Notre-Dame cathedral.

Much of Notre-Dame’s roof and the wooden structure was destroyed, its steeple collapsed and fumes containing toxic molten lead billowed into the air.

Haines Fire & Risk Consulting becomes authorised distributor for FireDos in US

FireDos is expanding their sales network in the USA. From now on, the company Haines Fire & Risk Consulting (HFRC) is functioning as another Authorised Distributor.

Based in Medford, New Jersey, HFRC is specialised in fire protection, extinguishing water supply, emergency management and fire investigation. Headed by Stephen W. Haines, the company operates in various industries, including oil & gas, chemistry, pharmaceutical, warehousing, power supply and waste disposal.

FireDos founded a U.S. branch in December 2019. The location of its subsidiary FireDos US Inc. in Houston, Texas, the heart of the oil & gas industry, ensures some intensive customer care from a central place. Doing so, the service-focused company is supported on the U.S. market by companies like HFRC.

www.firedos.com/

Darley launches brand new catalog

The Darley catalog has arrived and with it brings the newest and most innovative products for first responders. This year has forced departments to adapt and find new ways to safely assist their communities. Darley recognises this “new normal”, embraces change, and their catalog reflects these changing needs.

Frequenters of Darley’s catalogs will notice the new Infection Control PPE section. With COVID-19 making its way through the world, first responders need to have access to the latest infection control PPE. The section includes safety masks, cases of disposable gowns and gloves, and decon equipment designed to protect personnel from infectious disease. The world has changed, and infectious disease PPE has become a staple to a departments’ PPE inventory.

Darley have also created a new Training section to showcase the latest in virtual reality and innovation, from the new FLAIM trainer and FLAIM Extinguisher to RiVR’s virtual classrooms. The FLAIM trainer offers a safe, low-cost, and mobile training aid for firefighters. The equipment here is designed to complement traditional training, not to replace it. These training systems allow for increased departmental training, leading to better preparedness.

In addition to their new virtual training section, Darley have expanded their robotics section. The section includes the most innovative unmanned robotic equipment departments need, and the training required for a department to run its program.

www.darley.com/

Amazon removes balcony barbecues over fire risk fears

Retail giant Amazon has removed a number of barbecues specifically designed for use on balconies from sale over serious safety concerns highlighted by London Fire Brigade.

The Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills wrote to the firm and other companies that stock or manufacture the products last month, stating that they are a serious concern with regards to public safety.

Amazon and gift retailer Menkind both responded, confirming they had removed the items from sale and contacted customers who had purchased them offering a full refund if they return or dispose of the barbecues.

Deputy Commissioner Mills is now urgently asking anyone who has purchased such a barbecue and have received an email from one of these companies not to ignore it and to take the risks seriously. If customers have purchased a balcony barbecue from another outlet, they must contact the company and raise the issue if they haven’t heard from them.

He said: “We welcome the prompt and crucial action taken by both Menkind and Amazon in response to the concerns we raised.

“We advise that people never barbecue on their balconies as balcony fires can be devastating.

“Products designed specifically for people to barbecue on their balconies are incredibly irresponsible, and we are now asking customers to take action immediately and not to ignore the warning.

“The fact these companies took such swift action to take these products off the shelves shows what a very real risk they are. However, we remain deeply concerned that other companies did not respond to my letter and that these products may still be available for sale and customers are unaware of the dangers of using them.”

Amazon spokesperson said: “Safety is extremely important to Amazon. As soon as the London Fire Brigade raised concerns and new evidence about these particular products we took quick action, removed them from sale and contacted customers. We value the expertise of the London Fire Brigade and are committed to working closely with them and other relevant authorities on these matters. If customers ever have a concern about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service team directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Firefighters have attended more than 600 balcony fires in London in the last three years, including one at a block of flats in Deptford in May which was caused by a barbecue being disposed of in a plastic bag. Dozens of residents were evacuated from the building and a number of people were permanently displaced.

Menkind’s Marketing Director, Fred Prego, said: “Our customers’ health and safety is of utmost importance and we have taken swift action following fire safety concerns from the London Fire Brigade over the balcony barbecue product.

“We immediately removed this product from sale and contacted Menkind customers who purchased it, advising them not to use it on balconies and that they can return it for a full refund.

“Menkind is committed to complying with the latest product safety laws and regulations and we continuously collaborate with relevant authorities on the matter.”

Getac deliver technology upgrade to Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team

Getac, a rugged mobile computing manufacturer, has come to the aid of the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team (CBMRT) with the donation of powerful rugged mobile devices, along with accompanying accessories from its partners.  The new solutions replace the CBMRT’s original IT equipment – which was lost during a devastating fire at its base of operations in Merthyr Tydfil – and provide a significant technology upgrade in the process.

The CBMRT is a voluntary organisation covering the central Brecon Beacons, including South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Corn Du, as well as the Ystradfellte waterfalls. It responds to over 120 incidents a year, with rescues often taking place in extremely challenging conditions. Many areas of the national park are also very remote, which can make effective coordination between rescue teams difficult without the right equipment.

The ZX70 fully rugged Android tablets and F110 fully rugged Windows tablets donated by Getac both feature a host of innovative technologies that greatly enhance CBMRT capabilities during time sensitive operations. Getac’s revolutionary Lumibond® touchscreen technology means rescuers can view and operate the devices in all weather conditions, from bright sunlight to heavy rain, and even whilst wearing gloves. Powerful inbuilt 4G LTE connectivity also enables team members to remotely log-in to the SARCALL incident management platform from any location, where they can liaise with other rescue parties, coordinate searches and provide real-time updates.

Secure vehicle docking stations with compact and robust Zirkona mounting brackets were also donated by Gamber-Johnson, while Lind Electronics provided high quality, rugged vehicle power adaptors that together meet the requirements of the most demanding and harsh environments. These have been used to create fully integrated solutions in both the front and rear of the CBMRT’s three new response vehicles, allowing the devices to be safely used when in transit, then detached and taken into the field once teams are at the scene of an incident.

“When we’re trying locate a person in need of our help, the last thing we want to worry about is our devices,” says Penny Brockman, Team Leader, Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. “Mountain rescue can be very hard on equipment, but our Getac tablets and accompanying accessories perform flawlessly in even the toughest conditions, meaning we can stay focussed on the task at hand, which is saving lives.”

“Technology is playing an increasingly important role in frontline emergency response and when the CBMRT lost all of its equipment in the fire, both ourselves and our partners were more than happy to step in,” says Chris Bye, President, Getac UK Ltd. “With the new rugged solutions in place, rescue teams have everything they need to communicate and coordinate effectively in the field, giving the best possible chance of success.”

www.getac.com/

Dafo Li-IonFire tackles electric/hybrid vehicle fire protection

As there is a global transition to renewable fuels, there is an increasing demand for electric or hybrid vehicles (EV and HEV). However, knowledge is limited about the new fire risks associated with vehicles having these new energy carriers

Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection has helped build a fire protection system tailored for operations using electric or hybrid vehicles as part of an EU-funded program.

In partnership with RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Dafo explored different techniques to detect potential battery failure, as early as possible, and take immediate action to stop, or delay, a potentially hazardous situation.

The partners studied the various fire risks related to batteries, including specific risks when charging, and procedures for handling electric vehicles and batteries after a crash. They also investigated to what extent fixed and integrated fire suppression systems, which are widely used to protect combustion engine compartments on heavy vehicles, can be applied to vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, and how they should be designed.

“With the rapid introduction of electric and hybrid electric vehicles in public transport, there are new challenges because they present totally different risk scenarios,” Anders Gulliksson of Dafo Vehicle (pictured), Coordinator of the EU-funded Li-IonFire (Automated e-vehicle Lithium Ion Battery Early Warning and Fire Suppression System) project, said.

Through extensive testing, the Li-IonFire team better understood how a breakdown occurs within the battery and how it can be detected.

“If a system is activated at this early stage, the battery can be ‘brought back’ to a safe state, without the fire developing further,” Gulliksson explained.

“The tests have also shown that even with a late deployment of the fire suppression system, there’s a possibility of delaying the battery reaching a critical state, meaning that the chance of safe evacuation is very high.”

With proper detection and system activation, the hazardous scenario can be reversed and potentially even stopped entirely, according to Dafo.

The project team has, it says, successfully validated and demonstrated a highly innovative fire protection system for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The new system provides an early fire warning system, and spot cooling to prevent thermal runaway while localising and suppressing fire.

The system was officially unveiled in 2019 and has generated tremendous interest from both end users and vehicle manufacturers, according to Dafo.

“Li-IonFire delivers to the market a product that didn’t exist until now; a system that can offer real protection against battery fires, using a new suppression agent, Forrex EV™, which is specifically developed for these applications,” concluded Gulliksson.

“Li-IonFire will significantly boost the safety of operators and the protection of valuable assets.”

It will be available from September 1, 2020, the company says.

www.dafo.se/en/vehicle/